General News
23 October, 2023
Farewell to long-time High Street store
A local institution in clothing and fashion, High Street’s Debbie Lee Fashions will close its doors next month — marking the end of an era for owners and mother-daughter duo Jenni Fiske and Emma George. Opened by Fay McLean in 1970 and named...
A local institution in clothing and fashion, High Street’s Debbie Lee Fashions will close its doors next month — marking the end of an era for owners and mother-daughter duo Jenni Fiske and Emma George.
Opened by Fay McLean in 1970 and named after her daughters Debbie and Leanne, the business was originally located in a small shop on the corner of Alma and Nolan streets for its first three decades.
In February 2000, after the business was purchased by Jenni, the store opened its doors at its now well-known High Street location and has been a mainstay of local business since.
As Jenni recalls, when the opportunity to purchase Debbie Lee Fashions arose it made sense to purchase the business she’d spent plenty of time and money in as a teenager.
“I grew up in Maryborough and bought the majority of my clothing from the original Debbie Lee as a teenager and always popped in there after I moved to Melbourne and was home for a weekend,” she said.
“I would always find something I wanted there — which is what our customers say to us now.”
Offering a personalised inventory for its customers is what Debbie Lee Fashions has always been known for, with the feel of a country store something Jenni says has always set the business aside.
“Our regular buying trips to Melbourne were exciting days — the agencies would be amused when we would be looking at a style and saying ‘oh that looks like a Jan or whoever’ — personal shopping for our customers was a very country thing to do,” she said.
“Customers would know we were down there and come rushing in to be the first to have a look and purchase out of the box, they were fun but messy days.”
Jenni said fundraisers and events have also been a way for the business to give back to the community which has supported it, as well as being a source of many fond memories.
“Over the years we’ve donated our time to many fundraiser fashion parades, given thousands of dollars in donations and vouchers to local sporting clubs, schools and kinders, and have been very proud to do so,” she said.
“The days of the Oaks Day Fashion Parade we used to do for the school each year was a lot of work, but lots of fun and such a successful fundraiser for the chaplaincy.
“Kinder Shopping Spree nights were frantic but hilarious and such a wonderful fundraiser for the kindergarten and a great way to showcase the local businesses and what we had to offer.”
Currently holding a closing down sale, the business will close its doors for the last time at the end of November, with a clearance room open with prices on items starting as low as $10.
While this door is closing, a new one is opening for Jenni, who plans to fill her time creating memories with her growing family.
“I plan to spend a lot of my time down at Ocean Grove, spending quality time with my seven grandchildren and hopefully a little travel in the mix. Of course Maryborough will be on rotation for visits too,” she said.
“I’d really like to thank all the wonderful staff we have had work with us over the years there are lots of fun memories we’ve shared with them and I’m grateful for their input to the business over their time with us.
“A special mention goes to my daughter, Emma, who has been such a great asset to the store and has grown up a part of the business — always involved in some way even when not actually working here.”
Jenni said she and Emma have been “overwhelmed” by support from the community and is grateful for the years in business locally.
“Emma and I have been overwhelmed by the heartfelt messages and customers calling in to thank us for our service, tell us how much we will be missed and how sad they are feeling that we will no longer be here to ‘dress’ them,” she said.
“We are so grateful to each and everyone of our clients who have contributed to the success of Debbie Lee over the years.
“Friendships have been made that we will always cherish, and its been an absolute pleasure for us.”
Debbie Lee Fashions is located at 122 High Street, Maryborough and is open from 10 am until 5 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am until1 pm on Saturday’s.